TOUGHER CHALLENGE

Selangor’s Sivasangkari and Negri Sembilan’s Bukit Pelandok have thrown in their challenge in the Rakan Muda Grasscourt Kabaddi Challenge at the Central Park, Bandar Utama this Sunday (22nd March 2009).

Both teams are the undisputed top clubs in their respective states and their entry has made the tournament all the more interesting.

The tournament, organised by the Kuala Lumpur Kabaddi Association, is being held in conjunction with the Rakan Muda’s One Community, One Association campaign to be launched by the Sports Minister YB Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

A total of 16 teams have been entered for the men’s competition and eight for the women’s.

Sivasangkari have been drawn in the same half as the tournament’s top seeds Sri Devi Dragons. The Dragons beat their rivals in their last two meetings including the KL Open final last year.

Sivasangkari have a tough draw, having to play the unpredictable Tamillan Kabaddi B in the first round and against the Indian expatriate team of Pasum Ponn in the next round.

If they survive, they will have to come up against the Dragons in the semi-finals.

The Dragons won both the City Day Kabaddi Championships and the Rakan Muda Kabaddi Challenge earlier this year.

The Dragons, comprising of several Federal Territory state players, are also the leading contenders at the ongoing Premier League Kabaddi.

Bukit Pelandok will also have the going tough as they have been drawn against the experienced Star Banting in their opening match and against young upstarts Selayang in the next round.

They would have to get past second seeds Tamillan Kabaddi if they get past their early opponents.

Selayang are the darkhorses in the tournament, having stunned Kg Pandan Lions at the Premier League Kabaddi last week.

In the women’s competition, Sri Devi Princess are the top seeds ahead of Sri Manjari A. The Princess are expected to play Bukit Pelandok in the semi-finals while the Sri Manjari A are likely to meet Sri Devi Princess.